Milky toners are trending online, but these 12 are truly deserving of the attention.

      (Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock; original art by Audrey Hedlund)

      Some refer to them as milky toners, while others call them milky essences or skin milks. Regardless of their various, somewhat vague names, they are prevalent on the internet. If you browse Instagram or TikTok, you're likely to come across numerous celebrities, content creators, and skincare experts incorporating them in their GRWM videos.

      These products aren't exactly a new phenomenon; they've been around for some time. However, they've recently gained significant traction, largely due to the simultaneous rise of the "skin flooding" trend and the internet's fascination with smoothing, plumping, and moisturizing products. Additionally, the current offerings have improved formulations that include deeply hydrating moisturizers, soothing ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier, and glow-enhancing actives. As Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC, explains, they are effectively hybrids of toners and moisturizers. "Milky products refer to those that have a milk-like consistency and appearance due to the blend of oils and water-soluble ingredients. Milky toners stand apart from traditional toners as they provide more hydration and can sometimes serve the dual purpose of acting as both toner and lightweight moisturizer."

      For many, these products have become essential within their skincare routine, particularly in the colder months when issues like dryness, redness, and irritation are more common. Personally, they've become indispensable; my skin eagerly absorbs them, enjoying the much-needed hydration. However, I don't opt for just any milky toner; rather, I've carefully narrowed down my collection to 12 exceptional, expert-approved options that are indeed worth the buzz. Below, find the 12 best milky toners currently available, as assessed by me (a beauty editor) and two leading skincare specialists.

      The Best Milky Toners, Listed:

      - Best Overall: Rhode Glazing Milk

      - Best Affordable: Bubble Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner

      - Best Barrier-Strengthening: Ilia The Base Face Milk

      - Best Brightening: Chanel Éclat Premier Bright Milky Essence

      - Best Exfoliating: Eadem Cashmere Peel Gentle AHA + PHA Exfoliating Toner

      - Best Spray: Violette_FR Boum Boum Milk

      **Best Overall: Rhode Glazing Milk**

      Size: 2.2 or 4.2 oz | Key Ingredients: Ceramide trio, mineral complex, vitamin E

      I believe that Hailey Bieber's Rhode Glazing Milk has significantly fueled the internet's fascination with milky toners. This product was one of the initial three skincare items launched by Mrs. Bieber, and it has enjoyed immense popularity since then. As a beauty editor, it's easy to dismiss it as yet another celebrity-driven hype product (Can you blame me? The market is truly flooded with celebrity beauty lines these days). But this product genuinely lives up to the hype. Its milky, creamy texture envelops the skin in plush hydration, while ceramides, magnesium, zinc, copper, and vitamin E work together to strengthen the skin and provide antioxidant defense. The result is a luminous, dewy glow, making it an ideal step before moisturizers or makeup prep.

      **Customer review:** "Rhode Glazing Milk instantly makes your skin look healthier. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, giving a fresh, dewy glow without greasiness. It preps the skin beautifully for moisturizer and makeup. It’s gentle, calming, and makes your skin look vibrant."

      **Best Affordable: Bubble Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner**

      Size: 3.4 oz | Key Ingredients: Oleic acid, linoleic acid, arnica, allantoin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, maple sap water

      Drugstore skincare can rival high-end options, a stance I firmly stand by. Whenever someone asks for an affordable choice, I recommend Bubble's Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner. It's creamy yet lightweight, non-comedogenic, and effectively soothes irritation. The impressive ingredients, including ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and soothing agents like arnica and allantoin, do wonders. The only downside is the packaging with the twist top, which requires careful handling to avoid spills, but I still crown it as my top drugstore pick due to its exceptional formula.

      **Customer review:** "This product is incredibly hydrating. During harsh winters in the Midwest, I often experience tight, itchy skin; this has been a lifesaver."

      **Best Barrier-Strengthening: Ilia The Base Face Milk**

      Size: 1 or 3.4 oz | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Barrier Renew Complex, micro-algae, prickly pear extract

      Fun fact: This sells once every minute since its launch, which speaks volumes about its quality. After trying it myself, I can confirm